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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following is not part of the situation where Lleu Llaw Gyffes can be killed?

2. Who translated THE MABINOGION?

3. Which well-known legendary hero appears in several tales within The Mabinogion?

4. How much does the priest offer for the release of the mouse?

5. What color were the strange hounds seen by Pwyll?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why, according to the tale, do the warriors of Cynan decide to cut out the tongues of the women?

2. What does Elen insist on after the messengers salute her as Empress of Rome?

3. What is unusual about Rhiannon's horse as the messengers try to catch her?

4. Why does Teyrnon decide to take Gwri to the court of Pwyll?

5. What happens when the door facing Cornwall is opened?

6. Why does Elen command the roads to be built throughout Britain?

7. How do Bendigeidfran and his brothers know that the Irish ships are coming in peace?

8. What three tokens of manhood does Aranrhod refuse to give Lleu Llaw Gyffes?

9. What period in history were the later tales in "The Mabinogion" written down in?

10. What action of Pwyll's during his year in the Otherworld impresses Arawn as an example of virtue?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is magic or the fantasy element used in the tales in The Mabinogion? To answer this, your answer should include the following:

1 Choose the tale that has the highest level of fantasy/magic in its plot and describe it in detail.

2 Choose the tale that has the least amount of fantasy/magic in its plot and also describe it in detail.

3 Describe the differences and similarities between the two tales you have chosen in regards to how magic is used.

Essay Topic 2

The motif of the magical food vessel seems to be an important one in Celtic mythology and in The Mabinogion. Choose three examples of these magical food vessels presented in the text and describe each in detail. Along with your description, explain the role that the vessel plays in the plot.

Essay Topic 3

Family relationships seem to play an important role in the tales in The Mabinogion. Choose three of the family groups below and describe the relationship that exists between them in detail. For each, state how the relationship helps progress the plot of the tale. Choose from:

(a) Culhwch and Arthur

(b) Pryderi and Manawydan

(c) Branwen, Bendigeidfran and Efnisien

(d) Gwydion, Aranrhod and Lleu Llaw Gyffes

(see the answer keys)

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